Fed set to make interest rate decision as inflation hits 3-year hig

Fed set to make interest rate decision as inflation hits 3-year hig
Kevin Warsh, Chair of the Federal Reserve, on April 21, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)v

(WASHINGTON) -- The Federal Reserve is set to announce its latest decision on interest rates on Wednesday as the central bank weathers the highest inflation in three years.

The announcement will mark the first possible adjustment of the benchmark interest rate since Trump nominee Kevin Warsh began his four-year term as Fed chair last month.

The policy move is also set to arrive at a moment of flux for the nation’s economy, just days after an agreement between the United States and Iran offered hope for some price relief.

The U.S.-Iran accord, set to be formally signed on Friday, came as gasoline prices fell below $4 a gallon for the first time since March. Still, fuel costs stand well above pre-war levels, and an array of grocery prices remain elevated.

Futures markets overwhelmingly expect the Fed to hold interest rates steady when policymakers meet on Wednesday, according to the CME FedWatch Tool, a measure of investor sentiment.

In recent weeks, however, odds have risen for a potential interest rate hike by the end of 2026, the tool showed, granting a roughly four in 10 chance of a quarter-point increase in December.

The shift in expectations came after a stronger-than-expected jobs report earlier this month showed robust hiring in May. In theory, a resilient labor market could afford central bankers leeway to raise interest rates in an effort to dial back inflation, since elevated borrowing costs risk a hiring slowdown.

Inflation jumped for a third consecutive month as the Iran war continued to drive up prices in May, surpassing 4% for the first time in three years

The Middle East conflict prompted the Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime trading route that facilitates the transport of about one-fifth of global oil supply. The standoff triggered one of the largest oil shocks ever recorded, sending gasoline prices surging.

On Monday, President Donald Trump announced a U.S.-Iran deal that included plans to reopen the strait. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the deal had been finalized and said it would be signed in Switzerland on Friday. Oil prices fell to their lowest level since March.

The benchmark rate stands at a level between 3.5% and 3.75%. That figure marks a significant drop from a recent peak attained in 2023, but borrowing costs remain well above a 0% rate established at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The rate decision will be the first major policy move overseen by Warsh, who will address reporters during a customary press conference minutes after the central bank issues its announcement.

During his term as a Fed governor in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Warsh gained a reputation as an interest-rate "hawk," meaning he generally preferred higher interest rates as a means of ensuring low and stable inflation.

Last year, Warsh voiced support for lower interest rates. At his Senate confirmation hearing in April, Warsh emphasized the threat posed by elevated inflation.

"When inflation surges -- as it has done in recent years -- grievous harm is done to our citizens, especially to the least well-off," Warsh said.

Bucking typical norms, former Fed Chair Jerome Powell Powell will cast a vote on interest rates as a member of the Fed's 12-person policymaking board.

Powell said he would stay on at the central bank's board of governors after his term as chair expired as an investigation into the Fed's office renovation continues.

The Department of Justice moved to drop a criminal probe into Powell in April, calling on the Fed's inspector general to carry out the investigation into cost overruns tied to the renovation. Powell will remain on the Fed's board for an indeterminate length of time, he said last month.

The criminal investigation into Powell focused on alleged false testimony to Congress about an office renovation. Powell, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, has rebuked the probe as a politically motivated effort to influence interest-rate policy. Trump denied any involvement in the criminal investigation.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Man charged with intoxicated manslaughter

Man charged with intoxicated manslaughterRUSK COUNTY — Following a fatal crash in Rusk County on Saturday afternoon, one man was arrested after it was discovered he had allegedly caused the crash while driving intoxicated. According to an affidavit from the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK, a trooper was dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of FM 3053 and FM 1639 in Gregg County.

Once on the scene, the trooper observed a Nissan Versa that had become disabled following the crash. The driver of the Nissan was identified as Tanner Templeton and two pickup trucks that were involved in the incident were found disabled behind Templeton’s car. Authorities believe that the crash was caused when Templeton was driving westbound on FM 1639 and while he was approaching the intersection, he drove past a stop sign without stopping and was struck by a pickup truck traveling northbound on FM 3053.

After striking Templeton’s car, one of the trucks driven by Tracey Fears was pushed into oncoming southbound traffic and struck head-on by another truck. After being hit by the truck, Fears was pronounced dead on the scene and his two passengers were taken by helicopter to a local hospital after suffering serious injury. Continue reading Man charged with intoxicated manslaughter

Residents address data center concerns

Residents address data center concernsTYLER – Residents of Tyler gathered for a community meeting on Monday to voice concerns about a planned Bitcoin mining data center. The Bitcoin mining facility is currently proposed for 1105 W. Erwin Street in Tyler. On Monday, Mark Buntsev, a community liaison for Vulcan Core LLC, hosted a community meeting with residents living near the W. Erwin Street site, where his company proposes to build a Bitcoin facility.

The facility would use specially designed computers to “mine” Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency, a currency that is created and stored only digitally. Developers met with Tyler residents at The Meeting Place banquet hall, located just blocks from the proposed site of the Bitcoin facility, according to out news partner KETK.

“Some of their concerns were the usage of water, the usage of electricity and the usage of noise, all of which I’d like to think that we were able to address through resources such as a further understanding of the technology itself, understanding that we don’t have any kind of power draw or water draw from the city. We utilize distilled water mixed with glycol,” Buntsev said on Monday. Continue reading Residents address data center concerns

One dead after truck hydroplanes

One dead after truck hydroplanesWOOD COUNTY – One man died on Sunday after an 18-wheeler hydroplaned and crashed into his vehicle on Highway 80 near Mineola. The Texas Department of Public Safety told our news partner KETK that 45-year-old David Earl Johnson of Grand Saline was driving his Ford Fusion west on Highway 80 about half a mile west of Mineola at around 10:47 a.m. on Sunday, as an 18-wheeler was heading east.

Johnson’s Ford was hit when the 18-wheeler hydroplaned on the wet roadway and crossed into the westbound lane of Highway 80. Johnson was fatally injured in the crash and was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to DPS.

The condition of the 18-wheeler driver is currently unknown and DPS is currently investigating the crash.

Sewer main collapse closes major roadway

Update: KTBB talked to the City of Nacodoches Wednesday night. They felt comfortable of the main being patched up by Thursday evening.

NACOGDOCHES – A major roadway is currently closed down following a sewer main collapse on Monday afternoon.

According to the City of Nacogdoches and our news partner KETK, the sewer main on West Spradley Street collapsed after excessive rainfall in the area. Crews are expected to begin working to repair the sewer main once conditions allow, and the street will remain closed to traffic until further notice.

Due to the closure, residents are asked to enter and exit the neighborhood at the intersection of South Loop 224 and Old Lufkin Road. An entrance can also be made to the street at the intersection of Old Lufkin Road and U.S. 59 South.

KTBB talked to the City of Nacodoches Wednesday night. They felt comfortable of the main being patched up by Thursday evening.

Governor Abbott issues disaster declaration for severe weather

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced on Monday that he issued a disaster declaration for 101 Texas counties as severe storms continued to threaten the state. Additional counties may be added as conditions warrant, according to the governor’s office.

“Texas is prepared to respond to the severe weather threats that continue to move across our state,” said Governor Abbott. “Because of the impact caused by ongoing storms and flood risks, I have issued a disaster declaration for 101 Texas counties to ensure that local officials and communities have access to the full range of state resources and support. Texans should heed the guidance of state and local officials and take all necessary precautions to stay safe during this severe weather.”

Earlier Monday, Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency response resources and implement 24-hour operations at the Texas State Emergency Operations Center as storm risks persist. Last week, the Governor directed TDEM to activate state emergency response resources ahead of the flood threat.

Texans are urged to continue monitoring local weather forecast information and have emergency supplies readily available. As storm threats continue, Texans are urged to stay informed, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and heed all warnings from local officials. Texans can find severe weather safety information and road conditions here and find all hazards preparedness tips here.

 

Fourth arrest in FBI immigrant probe

Fourth arrest in FBI immigrant probeTYLER – Nearly two weeks after the FBI carried out an “authorized court operation” at a Smith County furniture store, a fourth suspect has now been arrested in connection with the case.

According to our news partner KETK, an indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, four individuals are facing federal charges stemming from the June 2 raid at Ximena’s Furniture. The charges include:
*Conspiracy to transport illegal aliens
*Trafficking in false identification documents
*Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Three suspects, Virginia Gamez Ponce Valdivia, Keyla Stacy Valdivia Gamez and Arturo Alcantar-Perez, were taken into custody earlier this month. On Friday, authorities arrested the fourth suspect, Guillermo Limon-Sanchez, in Travis County, where he is currently being held on a federal detainer. Continue reading Fourth arrest in FBI immigrant probe

Historic day for local college

Historic day for local college KILGORE — Kilgore College will formally install Dr. Staci Martin as the institution’s 10th president during an investiture ceremony scheduled for Tuesday morning in Dodson Auditorium on the Kilgore campus.

The ceremony marks a significant milestone in the college’s history as Dr. Martin officially assumes the role of president following her appointment by the KC Board of Trustees, according to Kilgore College administration officials.

Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to attend. Continue reading Historic day for local college

11K loaves of bread donated to ETFB

11K loaves of bread donated to ETFBGILMER – Mrs. Baird’s partnered with the East Texas Food Bank last week to donate over 11,000 loaves of bread to families across the area this summer, according to our news partner KETK.

This month instead of just getting produce, families will also receive a Mrs. Baird’s loaf of bread. The Church at West Mountain in Gilmer hosted Mrs. Baird’s donation at one of their monthly distributions for the ETFB.

“Summertime is a perfect time for us to partner with food banks, because we know there’s a big need in our community,” Shane Sumrow with Mrs. Baird’s Bread said. “School’s out kids are not getting those school lunches and breakfast and so we know there’s a need for bread that’s going to make a lot of sandwiches for kids and families here in East Texas this summer.”

This donation is a part of Mrs. Baird’s Fighting Texas Hunger Campaign which is aiming to donate 182,000 loaves of fresh bread to families across the state.

Stocks leap worldwide, and oil prices drop after the US and Iran reach a tentative deal on their war

Stocks leap worldwide, and oil prices drop after the US and Iran reach a tentative deal on their warNEW YORK (AP) — Stock markets rallied worldwide Monday, and oil prices eased after the United States and Iran reached a tentative deal to extend their ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to get the global flow of crude going again.

The S&P 500 rose 1.7% on hopes that this time, the announcement of an Iran-U.S. agreement will mean a long-term fix to a conflict that has worsened inflation around the world. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 468 points, or 0.9%, to a record, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 3.1%.

Stocks got a lift after the price for a barrel of Brent crude oil fell 4.8% to $83.17, back to where it was in early March. While that’s still above its price of roughly $70 from before the war, it’s lower than the $100 plus it cost just a few weeks ago. The hope is that lower oil prices will take pressure off households and businesses, which have had to pay higher prices for everything from food to fuel to fertilizer because of the war with Iran.

Iran confirmed the deal, but it does not include a final agreement on issues like Iran’s nuclear program. Negotiations on that are expected to continue over the next 60 days, which leaves opportunity for hiccups that could derail the agreement. And even if the Strait of Hormuz does fully reopen on Friday as expected, it will likely take months for the energy industry to get back to full speed.

For now, though, relief swept through financial markets worldwide.

Stocks jump worldwide, and oil prices drop after the U.S. and Iran reach a tentative deal on their war.

Stocks of companies enmeshed in the artificial-intelligence industry also jumped. These stocks have yo-yoed in recent weeks, going from roaring to records to suddenly turning lower. The concern is whether such stocks shot too high, too fast because of AI mania, and their careening moves have sometimes reversed direction by the hour.

Micron Technology rallied 10.8%, and Advanced Micro Devices rose 7%. Nvidia’s climb of 3.5% was the strongest force pushing the S&P 500 upward because the AI chip company is Wall Street’s most valuable company, giving it more weight on the index than any other.

SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket company that also owns the AI company xAI, rose 19.6% in its second day of trading on Wall Street. Its successful debut on the Nasdaq suggested plenty of demand still exists among investors for AI. The market has given SpaceX a total value of more than $2.1 trillion, making it bigger than Exxon Mobil, Bank of America and Coca-Cola combined.

In the bond market, Treasury yields eased on hopes that lower oil prices will remove pressure on central banks to raise interest rates.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.47% from 4.48% late Friday.

Europe’s central bank last week became the first major one in the world to raise interest rates because of the war with Iran. High interest rates can keep a lid on inflation, but they also slow economies and undercut prices for all kinds of investments, including stocks and cryptocurrencies. They hit investments seen as the most expensive in particular, and some critics are calling the AI industry a bubble where investment inflated too far.

The Fed will announce its latest decision on interest rates later this week, which will be the first under its new chair, Kevin Warsh. Traders see it as a near certainty that the Fed will leave its main interest rate steady after its two-day meeting ends Wednesday.

Traders had been raising bets that the Fed may have to raise interest rates this year because of how much inflation has accelerated and how solid the U.S. job market remains. But the tentative deal between the United States and Iran means traders are now betting on only a 57% chance of a hike this year, down from 71% a week ago, according to data from CME Group.

Elsewhere on Wall Street, Roku fell 1.9% after the company announced that Fox Corp. is buying the streaming pioneer in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $22 billion.

Roku’s stock had already soared 20% Friday, when media reports emerged about a deal, which will give Fox access to the Roku channel, first-party data and more than 100 million global streaming households. Fox’s stock fell 16.8%.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 122.83 points to 7,554.29. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 468.77 to 51,671.03, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 795.10 to 26,683.94.

In stock markets abroad, indexes climbed in Asia and Europe. Japan’s Nikkei 225 leaped 5% for one of the world’s biggest gains and finished at a record.

“This is great news,” said Takashi Hiroki, chief strategist at Monex. “Buying by foreign investors is leading the market with expectations of easing tensions around the situation in the Middle East.”

South Korea’s Kospi soared even more, 5.2%, thanks in part to continued rallies for AI winners like Samsung Electronics.

London’s FTSE 100 was an outlier and slipped 0.4%.

Stephen F. Austin State University sees jump in summer enrollment

NACOGDOCHES (KETK) — More students have enrolled for summer classes at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) this year than in the past, continuing a growing trend and marking one of the largest summer enrollment gains in recent institution history.

According to SFA, the summer 2026 semester headcount is currently up 6% from last year with semester credit hours increasing 7%, even while enrollment remains open.

“Students are increasingly choosing SFA because they recognize the value of a degree that combines academic quality, personalized support and strong career outcomes,” SFA President Neal Weaver, Ph.D., said. “These preliminary summer numbers build on the momentum we experienced throughout the past academic year and reflect the confidence students and families have in the direction of this university.”

The increased credit hours, SFA said, plays an important role in state funding as they show student engagement. An increase reflects student demand and the institution’s efforts to create flexible degree completion pathways, Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Engagement Kent Willis said.

“Summer enrollment provides students with an opportunity to stay on track, accelerate their progress toward graduation and take advantage of flexible course options,” Willis said. “We’re seeing strong participation from continuing students and transfer students who are using the summer term to move forward academically.”

Classes begin July 6 and with registration still open, students can enroll in a variety of summer courses to help lighten class loads during other semesters.

“I was able to knock out two core classes online while working part time,” junior and kinesiology major Billy Stewart said. “It’s helping me graduate on time and save money.”

Illegal alien sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine

SHERMAN – An illegal alien, living in Dallas, has been sentenced to more than 22 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Juan Lopez-Carmona, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 270 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on June 15, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in 2021, federal law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for moving large amounts of illegal narcotics from Mexico into the United States for redistribution. On October 4, 2022, while federal agents attempted to execute a search warrant at a Dallas residence, Lopez-Carmona, a Mexican national illegally living in Dallas, began firing on them from inside the house before fleeing on foot. Lopez-Carmona and another individual were quickly detained and a search of the residence revealed over 30 kilograms of methamphetamine, four firearms, and other drug trafficking supplies. The investigation resulted in multiple seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, firearms, and large amounts of U.S. currency.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.

One dead after two vehicle accident

One dead after two vehicle accidentWOOD COUNTY – One man died on Sunday after an 18-wheeler hydroplaned and crashed into his vehicle near Mineola. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Department of Public Safety said that 45-year-old David Earl Johnson of Grand Saline was driving his vchicle west on Highway 80 about half a mile west of Mineola at around 10:47 a.m. on Sunday, as an 18-wheeler was heading east.

Johnson’s car was hit when the 18-wheeler hydroplaned on the wet roadway and crossed into the westbound lane of Highway 80. He was fatally injured in the crash and was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to DPS

DRC reports record number of Ebola cases in a single day as outbreak hits 1-month mark

Viviane Nzale, a health worker responsible for triage, stands at a screening post at the entrance of Mongbwalu General Hospital while monitoring patients and visitors entering the facility as they respond to the continuing Ebola outbreak here on June 12, 2026 in Mongbwalu, Democratic Republic of Congo. (Michel Lunanga/Getty Images)

(NEW YORK) -- Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reported a record one-day increase in Ebola cases since the current outbreak was first detected one month ago.

The DRC Ministry of Health reported 72 new confirmed Ebola cases on June 13, bringing the total number of cases to 782. Additionally, 29 deaths were recorded, bringing to 181 the number of fatalities that have occurred in the last month.

The majority of cases are still concentrated in three provinces in the northeast part of the country: Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Two new health zones, Nia-Nia in Ituri and Mabalako in North Kivu, reported cases for the first time, increasing the number of affected health zones to 31, according to the Ministry of Health.

Contact tracing remains a concern. Health officials said only 56.5% of identified contacts have been followed up on, far below the desired 90%-95% target needed to contain the outbreak, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

DRC health officials say they're still experiencing community hesitance as well as shortages of essential medicines and infection-control supplies.

Meanwhile, Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases, in large part linked to cross-border transmission from the DRC, and two deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

Last week, United Nations agencies warned that children in the eastern DRC could become increasingly affected by the Ebola outbreak. The U.N. said it may be difficult to accurately track the number of children who may be affected by the outbreak due to inefficient surveillance.

Although most infections have been among adults, "as the outbreak evolves, we must be prepared for increasing household transmission which means we may see more children affected in the days ahead," Dr. Douglas Noble, UNICEF global lead for public health emergencies and global incident manager for Ebola, said on Friday.

"These are already very vulnerable children, so the capacity for this community to absorb any additional stressors was already stretched to breaking point," he said.

In past Ebola outbreaks in the DRC, children "made up a significant share of cases and an even greater share of deaths, with the youngest facing the highest fatality rates and many left orphaned or separated from caregivers," Noble said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department recently announced plans to provide $50 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which describes itself as "a global partnership working to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats," to help develop vaccines and treatments against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola that's driving the current outbreak.

The State Department further said it has committed more than $270 million directly to the Ebola response, with U.S.-funded partners screening more than 6,300 people in Ituri, supporting 100 health facilities and carrying out 200 safe burials.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Bicycle chase leads to drug arrest

NACOGDOCHES – After attempting to escape from police, resisting arrest, and injuring an officer during a struggle, a man from Nacogdoches was taken into custody on Saturday night. Around 9:05 p.m., officers tried to pull over Jakelin Greer, 37, who was riding a bicycle close to the 1300 block of Meisenheimer Street, according to Nacogdoches Police Sgt. Brent Ayres. Before crashing and continuing to run on foot, Greer is said to have fled on the bicycle. According to the police, Greer resisted their attempts to arrest him, leading to a struggle in which one officer was hurt. After receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, the officer was discharged. Greer was discovered in possession of several controlled substances, including marijuana and other suspected drugs, according to investigators. Greer was accused of assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest, evading arrest, possessing marijuana, and possessing a controlled substance. An investigation is ongoing.

Oil prices fall to lowest level since March after US announces Iran deal

Oil prices fall to lowest level since March after US announces Iran deal
A pumpjack stands idle in the Huntington Beach oil field on April 23, 2026 in Huntington Beach, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

(NEW YORK) -- Oil prices on Monday fell to their lowest level since March after U.S. officials announced an agreement between the United States and Iran.

West Texas Intermediate futures price, the benchmark index for U.S. trading, registered at about $80.40. That figure, which amounted to a 5% drop on Monday, marked the lowest price since March 5, just a week after the outbreak of the Iran war.

Stock prices, meanwhile, climbed on hopes of a resolution to the Iran war. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 530 points, or 1%, while the S&P 500 increased 1.4%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 2.3%.

Gas prices have fallen toward $4 per gallon in recent weeks, nearing the milestone as oil costs have eased in response to negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.

The national average price of a gallon of gas stands at $4.06, marking a decline of 46 cents, or 10.2%, over the past month, AAA data showed. Gas prices, however, remain $1.08 higher than where they stood before the Iran war.

The Middle East conflict prompted the Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime trading route that facilitates the transport of about one-fifth of global oil supply. The standoff triggered one of the largest oil shocks ever recorded, sending gasoline prices higher.

President Donald Trump said in a Sunday social media post that the U.S. and Iran had reached a deal that will open up the strait.

"I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade," Trump wrote.

"Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!" he added.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the deal had been finalized and said it would be signed in Switzerland on Friday.

Trump said the strait would open after the formal signing of the deal on Friday. The oil flow is linked to mine removal, Trump noted.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in auto fuel, accounting for more than half of the price paid at the pump, according to the federal U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The U.S. is a net exporter of petroleum, meaning the country produces more oil than it consumes. But since oil prices are set on a global market, U.S. prices move in response to swings in worldwide supply and demand.

ABC News' David Brennan and Isabella Murray contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Man arrested for aggravated assault

Man arrested for aggravated assaultTATUM, Texas (KETK) – One man has been arrested after an alleged aggravated assault happened at an apartment complex in Tatum on Saturday morning. According to the Tatum Police Department and our news partner KETK, a Tatum PD patrol officer and deputies from the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported aggravated assault at an apartment complex in Tatum at around 12:54 a.m. on Saturday.

The Tatum PD officer arrested one man in connection to the aggravated assault. The man was booked into the Rusk County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Tatum PD did not identify the man but they did note that no one was injured during the assault.

Former Sabine County Sheriff dies after decades in law enforcement

SABINE COUNTY (KETK) – Former Sabine County Sheriff Thomas Raymond Philips was buried in Beaumont on Saturday, after he died at the age of 81 earlier this month.

Philips was born in Beaumont but moved to the Toledo Bend Lake area with his wife in 1977. They operated a mom-and-pop store there before he started his career with the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office in 1989.

Before he was elected as sheriff in Jan. 1997, Philips served with the sheriff’s office as a dispatcher, jailer, chief jailer, deputy sheriff and with K-9 Chico as the county’s first K-9 officer.
Former Sabine County Sheriff Thomas Raymond Philips. Photo courtesy of the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office.

Philips served as sheriff of Sabine County from Jan. 1997 and Dec. 2000. Philips continued working for another 16 years until he retired as a court security officer at the Jack Brooks Federal Building in Beaumont in 2016.

He passed away at 81-years-old at the Parkview on Hollybrook senior community in Longview on June 4. Current Sabine County Sheriff George Griffith and many other law enforcement members helped escort Philips’ coffin to Forest Lawn Cemetery on Saturday.

Roads closed by flooding

Roads closed by floodingATHENS – The City of Athens has announced that several roads around the city have been closed by flooding as heavy storms move across East Texas. The flooding comes as the National Weather Service has extended a flash flood warning across much of western Henderson County until 10 p.m. The warning includes all of Athens, Log Cabin, Malakoff, Cross Roads and Cayuga.

“Please stay off the roads unless travel is necessary. Never drive around barricades or attempt to cross a flooded roadway. Water may be deeper or moving faster than it appears,” the City of Athens said. “Turn around, don’t drown. Please slow down, use caution and give emergency crews room to work.”

MARSHALL – Heavy rains Monday in Marshall have created flash flooding, and have made Highways 80 and 59 dangerous to travel. Reports say the high water on Highway 80 between Longview and Marshall, have had some drivers turning around when encountering these conditions. Many drivers have attempted in driving through. Continue reading Roads closed by flooding

Four shot, two hit by vehicle at large gathering

CROCKETT – Four people were shot and two people were hit by a vehicle after violence erupted at a large event in Crockett on Saturday night, according to Crockett police and our news partner, KETK.

Police said officers responded to reports of gunshots fired in the area of the 1100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at around 10:20 p.m. on Saturday.

Crockett Police Department officers, Houston County Sheriff’s Office deputies, EMS units and troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety all responded to the scene of a “large event” where Crockett PD said a “significant” number of people and vehicles were gathered when gunshots rang out.

Officials learned that at least four people were shot at the scene and that at least two other people had been hit by a vehicle. All six people have been taken to a hospital for treatment.

Crockett PD is currently investigating, and they believe any suspects have fled the area. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Caleb Newsome at 936-544-2862 or by email at newsomec@crocketttexas.org.

Stuart Hene wins mayor runoff

Stuart Hene wins mayor runoffTYLER – With all of the votes counted, Stuart Hene is now Mayor-Elect of Tyler with 5,170 votes to 3,833 votes for John Nix. Current Mayor Don Warren reaches the end of his third and final term on June 24. Hene will be sworn into office on the same day.

In Longview’s District 3 City Council race in Gregg County, Brandon Smith defeated Marlena Cooper with 223 votes to Cooper’s 204 with all votes counted.

East Texas election results

East Texas election resultsEAST TEXAS — EAST TEXAS — East Texans will be watching closely on Saturday, June 13, as results come in for key local races across the region — in Longview’s District 3 City Council race in Gregg County, Brandon Smith defeats Marlena Cooper with 52.22% to Cooper’s 47.78% with all votes counted.

City of Tyler Mayoral Race

Tyler voters will choose a new mayor on June 13, as current Mayor Don Warren reaches the end of his third and final term. The race has drawn significant local attention, with candidates focusing heavily on infrastructure, public safety, growth management and government transparency.

Stuart Hene is leading in unofficial early and absentee voting totals with 3,876 votes cast for him so far, ahead of John Nix’s 2,931 early and absentee votes. This is with about 11 percent of the vote counted.

For the latest election results, click here.

 

On duty robot hit by truck

On duty robot hit by truckTYLER — A robot scanning Tyler’s sidewalks to learn about their accessibility was hit by a truck during its first day on duty Thursday. The Daxbots were first deployed to help with Tyler’s Americans with Disabilities Act Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan on Wednesday. Then, less than a week into the robots’ first deployment in Tyler, one of the robots was struck by a truck at the intersection of West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and North Palace Avenue.

According to the City of Tyler and our news partner KETK, the crash occurred at around 6:30 a.m., when the Daxbot was struck by a truck turning right on red. while the robot was being remotely directed across the street by a company operator.

“When a Daxbot needs to cross a roadway, a human operator monitors traffic and signal conditions and directs the unit to cross only when it is deemed safe to do so,” the City of Tyler explained. Continue reading On duty robot hit by truck

Fire station demolished

Fire station demolishedVAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Myrtle Springs Volunteer Fire Department demolished their aging fire station building on Saturday, citing serious safety problems and a lack of funding for renovations. According to our news partner KETK, the department currently covers 3000 residents living within the 30 mile-wide Myrtle Springs area of Van Zandt County. Their fire station building has endured many problems like mold, rot, rodent infestations, unsafe structural conditions and unsafe electrical conditions.

The building is located beneath the grade of the nearby County Road 3447, meaning it also frequently flooded. It also lacked insulation which exposed their water pumps to freeze damage during the winter. Recently, the department said they had a wiring failure that almost started a catastrophic fire, which would have seriously damaged their trucks and equipment. Continue reading Fire station demolished

Former coach sentenced

Former coach sentencedLONGVIEW — A former Longview coach was sentenced to 16 years in prison Friday after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting and grooming one of his former students. According to our news partner KETK, former owner and coach of a local gymnastics center in Longview, Matthew Orban, 52, was charged with sexual assault of a minor in 2025.

The charges came after Orban had reportedly groomed his student for several years before sexually assaulting her during a massage when she was 14 years old. Another one of Orban’s students also stated that he had groomed her and inappropriately massaged her.

During the trial, a video interview was shown of Orban admitting to a detective that he had massaged the victims after removing their shirts.

Assault suspect arrested

Assault suspect arrestedTATUM — One man has been arrested after an alleged aggravated assault happened at an apartment complex in Tatum on Saturday morning. According to the Tatum Police Department and our news partner KETK, a patrol officer and deputies from the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported aggravated assault at an apartment complex around 12:55 a.m. Saturday.

Brontravis Markeel Williams, 22, was booked into the Rusk County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. No one was injured during the assault.

Shooter kills one and injures ten days after firing at a police officer

MIDLAND (AP) – A man who opened fire in the West Texas city of Midland in an attack Friday morning that left one person dead and 10 injured had shot at a police officer just days earlier during a chase, authorities said.

The suspect, 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal, already was being sought by authorities when he began firing at police and bystanders in Midland on Friday before barricading himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic, where he was eventually found dead, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Police have provided limited details about how the shooting unfolded. Police arrived in the area after receiving reports of an active shooter, and Mata Villarreal started firing at officers, said Midland Police Chief Greg Snow. Several officers were pinned down behind their patrol cars and had to be rescued by an armored vehicle, Snow said, but no officers were shot.

Police then got everyone out of the area. “We moved to deny more targets for this active shooter,” Snow said.

A few hours after the shooting began, authorities used robot and drone footage from inside the building to confirm the shooter was dead, Midland Mayor Lori Blong. Police did not say how he died.

A spokesperson for the city identified a man killed in the shooting as Ed Scott, a father and husband who worked in solid waste for Midland. He also did a lot of work with local and regional softball organizations, according to the city.

Friends mourning his death described him in social media posts as a softball umpire and volleyball official who was known for his kindness and jokes.

Mata Villarreal, of nearby Odessa, was wanted for attempted capital murder of a peace officer after firing multiple times at a Midland police officer on Wednesday, the state’s public safety agency said.

The officer, who wasn’t injured, fired back after initially trying to pull over Mata Villarreal, who drove away, investigators said. His vehicle was found empty a short distance away, they said. Police have not said why the officer tried to stop Mata Villarreal.

Friday’s standoff happened about a half-mile (1 kilometer) from where the shots were fired at the police officer Wednesday.

Police have not said why Mata Villarreal began shooting on Friday or provided any details about the victims, including who they were, how they were shot or the conditions of those still hospitalized.

Midland Memorial Hospital said four people who were brought there underwent surgery and that five had been treated and released.

Calls to numbers listed for some relatives of Mata Villarreal in Texas went unanswered Friday or appeared to be lines that had been disconnected.

Mata Villarreal had several previous encounters with law enforcement, including some arrests, records show.

He was convicted on a 2009 charge of unlawfully carrying a firearm in San Angelo, according to Texas criminal history records.

He was charged in 2003 and 2004 for unlawfully carrying a weapon and unlawful possession of a prohibited weapon, but both cases appear to have been dismissed as part of a plea. He also pleaded no contest to a domestic violence charge in 2008 that was later dismissed.

As police responded to Friday’s shooting, dozens of squad cars and law enforcement vehicles descended along what’s normally a busy roadway lined with hotels and auto businesses a few miles west of Midland’s downtown.

Andrea Mendias said she heard what sounded like a small explosion at the closed veterinary clinic next to the auto body shop where she works and saw a number of heavily armed police officers rush into the parking lot. Some appeared to go inside the building.

Mendias said she earlier heard what sounded like at least 40 gunshots.

Video from Mendias showed officers pouring out of the back of an armored police vehicle and police deploying robots into the area.

The city with about 140,000 residents sits in the heart of the state’s oil and gas region and was near the site of a deadly shooting rampage in 2019.

In that shooting, a gunman who had been fired from his oil services job killed seven people and wounded two dozen others while firing at random as he drove around the Odessa and Midland areas. The two cities are more than 300 miles (482 kilometers) west of Dallas.